OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Trying to regain their footing after stumbling into the bye, the Baltimore Ravens returned to work Monday a much healthier football team.

As the Ravens (4-3) launched preparations for next week's pivotal road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Heinz Field, several starters returned to practice for the reigning AFC North champions.

That group of key veterans included quarterback Steve McNair (back, groin), offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (turf toe), who emerged unscathed in limited action in a loss to the Buffalo Bills before the bye, defensive end Trevor Pryce (broken wrist), center Mike Flynn (knee) and offensive tackle Adam Terry (ankle).
"I think we're in pretty good shape," Ravens coach Brian Billick said after a light practice. Tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) and cornerback Chris McAlister (knee) didn't practice and are regarded as the two biggest question marks for this upcoming Monday night game.

Billick said the team will know more Tuesday about McAlister's prognosis. Pryce, who led the team last season with 13 sacks, is expected to split time with Dwan Edwards as he works his way back into shape after missing the past five games.

"It doesn't hurt, I'm fine," said Pryce, who had metal pins removed from his left wrist before the bye and is playing with a small cast. "I'll play as much as they want me to play. I'm not going to limit myself. I think I can make as much impact as J.O. can make, and I think that's saying a lot since that guy's going to the Hall of Fame."

Meanwhile, Ogden is forecast to play roughly 30 snaps to 40 snaps against the Steelers after playing a dozen plays in a 19-14 loss to Buffalo. Ogden didn't experience any setbacks after missing five games since aggravating a nagging turf toe injury during the season opener in Cincinnati.

"It's still sore, but it's not that sharp pain," Ogden said. "It's more dull. I think I can push through that. Will I make it through the whole game? I'm going to see what happens."

Heap, a Pro Bowl selection who has missed the majority of the past two games, isn't expected to test out his leg until Thursday when the Ravens will begin more strenuous workouts. "The week off was definitely helpful," Heap said.

Despite the improved medical situation, the Ravens are aware that they have a lot of work to do. They face an arduous schedule that includes two games against the Steelers along with contests against the undefeated New England Patriots, undefeated defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts and the San Diego Chargers.

"From here on out, we need to win every game," wide receiver Derrick Mason said. "Are we going to win every game? We have the talent to do so."
Chalking up the problems strictly to injuries during the first seven games, where the Ravens won four games against teams with a combined record of 6-24, doesn't explain their precarious standing.
"No, that's a cop-out," Pryce said.

Meanwhille, Billick addressed a controversy that arose during the bye week when middle linebacker Ray Lewis criticized his play-calling during his weekly radio show. Billick said he doesn't have a problem with the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year's comments. "We're good, that's old news," Billick said. "We're ready to move on to the next challenge. We're good to go." Added Mason: "The offense didn't take offense to what he said. We need to score. That's something that he and Coach Billick need to work out because he specifically mentioned one individual. The onus is not just on Coach Billick. Players have to take responsibility, too."

AZ_Steeler

10-30-2007, 12:15 PM

Good, I'm glad to see they are getting healthy because it will just make the Steelers W that much sweeter!

BBG7

10-30-2007, 01:29 PM

Good, I'm glad to see they are getting healthy because it will just make the Steelers W that much sweeter!

I agree 100%.....this way they can leave their excuses at home!!!

black an gold 4 life

10-30-2007, 01:37 PM

they will still bit**an moan once we put this azzzzzzz kicking on them:buttkick:this is the perfect time 4 the steelers 2 take advantage of the rest of there schedule,:gs:

NOVA STEELERS

10-30-2007, 02:01 PM

Need to hit em hard and let them know we did not forget about last year... GO STEELERS

GoBenGo

10-30-2007, 06:54 PM

I've been waiting all year for this!!! . Here on the peninsula, Raisin country , had to eat the crap sandwich served up from that all last year. I want my dignity back. I want a effin blowout. like 38-3.
no ef that, 42-0 .Gimme it all!!!
I want a total game from my guys. 120%.
I am sofa king tired of raven crap, I can taste it.:barf:
Pound them Cave-ins!
:tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02: :tomcat:

BlitzburghRockCity

10-31-2007, 07:38 AM

I've been waiting all year for this!!! . Here on the peninsula, Raisin country , had to eat the crap sandwich served up from that all last year. I want my dignity back. I want a effin blowout. like 38-3.
no ef that, 42-0 .Gimme it all!!!
I want a total game from my guys. 120%.
I am sofa king tired of raven crap, I can taste it.:barf:
Pound them Cave-ins!
:tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02::tt02: :tomcat:

Hell yeah man, we're with ya !! :ratbirdssuck::rats:

The ratbirds always try and push the blame off on something else, oh we were injured, oh this or that happened. Man up chumps, your team is sub par and you are coming into a buzzsaw this weekend in Pittsburgh because we don't forget shiat like what happened last year !